Lemon Tiramisu

Hello friends, Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com 👨‍🍳. Today, I’m sharing a refreshing Italian twist: Lemon Tiramisu.

The first time I tasted this citrus version was in Amalfi, where lemon groves perfume the air. Instead of espresso, the ladyfingers were dipped in a light lemon syrup and layered with mascarpone cream and tangy lemon curd. It was love at first bite!

This Italian dessert is trending in the U.S. because it’s no bake, elegant, and versatile enough for Easter, summer dinners, or simply when you crave something fresh and indulgent.

👉 For more inspiration, explore our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu. You may also love our Classic Tiramisu Recipe or the Easy Tiramisu Recipe for beginners.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

This version takes the beloved Italian treat in a whole new direction. Here’s why it stands out:

✅ Easy lemon tiramisu – no advanced pastry skills required.
✅ No bake lemon tiramisu – a fridge-set dessert, no oven needed.
✅ Mascarpone lemon tiramisu – creamy yet bright, thanks to the balance of dairy and citrus.
✅ Flexible – add limoncello for a festive touch, or keep it as a tiramisu without alcohol.
✅ Elegant presentation – works beautifully as a plated treat or even a tiramisu cake for special occasions.

👉 Quick question: Would you serve this as a light ending to a Sunday brunch, or as the star dessert for a summer dinner party?

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for this lemon curd tiramisu recipe:

• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi) – light and absorbent, perfect for soaking.
• Mascarpone cheese – gives the cream its signature richness.
• Whipped cream – folded in for a mousse-like texture.
• Homemade lemon curd – the zesty layer that makes this dessert shine.
• Lemon syrup – a quick dip for the biscuits, balancing sweet and tart flavors.
• Optional limoncello – for those who want to enjoy a limoncello tiramisu twist.
• White chocolate or lemon zest – garnish for brightness and visual appeal.

👉 This Italian lemon tiramisu can easily be adapted. Just skip the alcohol to make it family-friendly without losing its signature flavor.

How to Make Lemon Tiramisu (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Making this dessert is much easier than it looks. Just follow these steps:

1. Prepare the lemon syrup – Combine fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool. (For a festive twist, see our Limoncello Tiramisu).
2. Make the lemon curd – Whisk egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and juice over a double boiler until thickened. Stir in butter until smooth. This tangy filling is the heart of a tiramisu with lemon curd. For alternatives, check out our Strawberry Tiramisu.
3. Whip the mascarpone mixture – In a bowl, beat mascarpone with a little lemon zest. Gently fold in whipped cream for a light, airy texture, similar to our Classic Tiramisu Recipe.
4. Dip the ladyfingers – Quickly dunk each Savoiardi into the cooled lemon syrup tiramisu mixture (don’t oversoak).
5. Assemble the layers – Arrange a layer of soaked biscuits in your dish, spread half of the mascarpone mixture, then add a layer of lemon curd. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Chill to set – Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

👨‍🍳 Chef James’s Tip: For a showstopping presentation, serve this lemon tiramisu dessert in cups, just like we do with our Tiramisu Cups.

Recipe Tips & Variations

This version is already unique, but here are some fun ways to personalize it:

• Alcohol-free version → Skip the limoncello for a lemon tiramisu without alcohol. For other family-friendly desserts, see our Easy Tiramisu Recipe.
• Citrus blend → Add orange zest to the lemon syrup for a deeper flavor.
• Layered cake style → Serve as a lemon tiramisu cake at birthdays or spring parties.
• Light & fresh → Swap mascarpone for part Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter cream.

👨‍🍳 Chef James’s Suggestion: Try topping with candied lemon slices or, for a gourmet vibe, pistachio crumbs inspired by our Pistachio Tiramisu.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Like other tiramisu variations, this one improves after resting. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Cover tightly and keep for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it chills.
• Freezer: Slice into portions, wrap well, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dessert the night before. Just like our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu, letting it sit overnight makes the flavor and texture even better.

👉 Before serving, add a dusting of lemon zest or white chocolate for freshness.

FAQs About Lemon Tiramisu

Serving Suggestions

This lemon tiramisu dessert is versatile and elegant, making it perfect for both casual and festive occasions. For a light spring lunch, serve it in small cups with grated white chocolate. At a dinner party, plate generous slices of lemon tiramisu cake with fresh berries and a drizzle of extra lemon syrup.

If you’re planning a holiday table, alternate it with a richer option like the Classic Tiramisu Recipe for guests who prefer traditional flavors. The refreshing citrus notes also pair beautifully with sparkling wine or a cup of Earl Grey tea.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Italian lemon tiramisu, try some of our other no-bake creations:

• Strawberry Tiramisu – fruity and light.
• Matcha Tiramisu – a Japanese twist with earthy flavors.
• Pistachio Tiramisu – nutty, creamy, and indulgent.
• Tiramisu Cheesecake – perfect for cheesecake lovers.

And don’t forget to explore our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu for more inspiration on creative variations.

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Conclusion

And that’s it — your citrus-inspired tiramisu is ready to brighten any table. 🍋 With layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-kissed ladyfingers, and a touch of lemon curd, this dessert delivers the best of both worlds: refreshing and indulgent.

Perfect for spring brunches, summer dinners, or holiday gatherings, this no-bake treat is as versatile as it is elegant. Whether you choose a version with limoncello for adults, or a lighter variation without alcohol, the result is always impressive.

For more inspiration, don’t miss our Classic Tiramisu Recipe for the traditional Italian method, or our Easy Tiramisu Recipe if you want a simpler approach.

👉 Give this recipe a try, share it with family and friends, and let us know how your lemon-inspired tiramisu turned out!

For food safety guidelines, check USDA.
For authentic Italian cooking techniques, I recommend Serious Eats.